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Ender's Game

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985

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Book Brief

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Orson Scott Card

Ender's Game

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Future Space • Distant Future

Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

780L

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Super Short Summary

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card follows Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, a gifted child recruited by the International Fleet to attend Battle School and prepare for an impending war against alien invaders called buggers. As Ender advances through rigorous military training and simulation games, he grapples with isolation, his peers' jealousy, and his brother Peter's political ambitions while uncovering the true nature of his assignments. The book contains scenes of bullying, psychological manipulation, and violence involving children.

Adventurous

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.5

1,444,968 ratings

84%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is widely praised for its compelling and complex protagonist, Ender Wiggin, and its thought-provoking take on leadership, strategy, and morality. The novel's fast-paced narrative and intricate battle scenes captivate readers. However, some criticize Card's moral ambiguity and the portrayal of violence.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ender's Game?

Readers who would enjoy Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game are typically fans of science fiction with complex characters and ethical dilemmas. Suitable for those who appreciated the strategical brilliance in Dune by Frank Herbert or the young protagonist in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

4.5

1,444,968 ratings

84%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Andrew (Ender) Wiggin

A highly intelligent and compassionate child chosen by the International Fleet to train as humanity's military leader, Ender is sent to Battle School where he must navigate isolation and intense competition.

Ender's older brother, known for his intelligence and manipulative nature, who is initially rejected by the I.F. for being too aggressive, yet harbors ambitions of political power.

Ender's loving older sister, who protects him from Peter and becomes a successful political writer under an assumed identity while maintaining a complex relationship with her siblings.

An officer in the International Fleet tasked with overseeing and shaping Ender's training at Battle School, known for his tough and often isolating tactics justified by the perceived stakes of their mission.

A bully in Ender's launch group at Battle School, whose initial confrontation with Ender sets the stage for early school dynamics.

A fellow Battle School student who befriends Ender and assists him in integrating within their group, later becoming an excellent squadron leader.

One of the few female students in Battle School, who initially helps train Ender in military tactics and later becomes a trusted ally.

Ender's Salamander Army commander at Battle School, who resents Ender's presence and becomes one of his main adversaries.

A toon leader in Rat Army who recognizes Ender's potential and provides critical support and perspective on the realities of Battle School.

A small but exceptionally intelligent Battle School student in Ender's command, who parallels Ender in many ways and becomes a key member of Dragon Army.

The legendary victor of the Second Invasion against the buggers, who returns to mentor Ender with unique insights and rigorous training.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Future Space • Distant Future

Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

780L

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